What should I do if my patch comes off?
The contraceptive patch should not fall off. It’s very sticky. It should stay on during a shower, bath, swim, hot tub or sauna.
If it does come off, what you need to do depends on how long it has been off.
If it’s been less than 2 days (48 hours) since your patch came off:
put a new patch on as soon as possible. Keep the new patch on until the day you usually change it.
you’ll still be protected against pregnancy.
If it’s been over 2 days (48+ hours) since your patch came off:
put a new patch on as soon as possible. Keep the new patch on until the day you usually change it.
you will not be protected against pregnancy for the first 7 days. Use condoms or do not have sex during this time. If you do have sex then use emergency contraception. Choose a brand that contains levonorgestrel, like Levonelle, not ulipristal acetate.
if you were going to start a patch-free break in the next 7 days, do not take the break.
If you are concerned about the risk of pregnancy, do a pregnancy test at least 3 weeks (21 days) after the pregnancy risk.
If you are not sure what you should do, contact your local NHS sexual health clinic or GP for advice.
